Sean Longstaff blown away by what Newcastle have done this summer

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It is a case of mixed emotions as Sean Longstaff prepares for a new season with Newcastle United.

There is sadness with brother Matty leaving the club. His contract has expired, although he is continuing to train with the Magpies until he is fully fit after a lengthy injury.

But there is also excitement for Longstaff, as he prepares to represent his boyhood team in the biggest competition in club football – the Champions League.

It is exactly what Newcastle and Longstaff deserve for a brilliant 2022/23 campaign, and now the local lad is going to have a new midfield partner as the Magpies look to conquer Europe.

Eddie Howe has added Sandro Tonali to his squad. The 23-year-old became Newcastle’s second most expensive signing ever when he arrived for £55million.

The Italian is a marquee signing for Newcastle, and Longstaff is very excited about the prospect of playing alongside Tonali in a black and white.

Sean Longstaff ‘looking forward’ to Sandro Tonali’s Newcastle arrival

In an interview with BBC Newcastle, Longstaff was asked how it feels to know he will be playing alongside and learning from a player like Tonali.

“It’s going to be amazing,” he said.

“You’re adding an Italian international, a top player – someone who got to a Champions League semi final last year. You bring him in to the team, it’s only going to add to and benefit the team.

“Really looking forward to meeting him and getting going. There’s going to be a lot of high quality additions. That’s what you want as a player, you want to be playing with the best players possible.

“That showed when Bruno came in. He gave the squad a massive lift, in particular in the midfield. Hopefully Sandro can do the same.

“It’s only going to be good for the squad, the competition. As long as we keep pushing each other to be as best we can be as individuals it will help the team massively.”

Hopefully he does just as well as Bruno Guimaraes

There is a real buzz about Tonali’s arrival, and Longstaff is no different. He is excited to meet the midfielder, and hopes he can be just as influential as Bruno Guimaraes.

If he can do that, he will prove to be an exceptional signing. Bruno was transformative when he arrived in January 2022, and is a key reason why Newcastle are where they are today.

It will be tougher for Tonali to have that kind of impact, as the level is now so much higher at St James’ Park. But he massively improves our midfield, and it is going to be exciting to see him in action very soon.

Longstaff is keen to get to work, but will know that he will be battling with Tonali for a place in Howe’s starting XI – and the Geordie boy won’t give up his position without a fight.